Full cast announced for Leeds Playhouse’s major new staging of BRASSED OFF
Leeds Playhouse has announced the full cast for Brassed Off, a major new staging directed by Olivier Award‑nominated and UK Theatre Awards winner Amy Leach.
Marking the 30th anniversary of Mark Herman’s iconic 1996 film, the production brings together an exceptional company of stage and screen performers, playing in the Quarry Theatre at Leeds Playhouse from 18 June – 11 July.
Leading the cast is David Birrell (One Day: The Musical, Edinburgh Lyceum) as Danny, with Robin Morrissey (Macbeth, Storyhouse) as Phil, Maddie Hansen (Aladdin: The Rock and Roll Panto, Leeds City Varieties) as Gloria, Frazer Hadfield (Frayed, Sky/HBO) as Andy, Wendy Albiston (Rivals, Disney+) as Vera, Andy Cryer (Noises Off, Stephen Joseph Theatre) as Jim, Ewen Cummins (Witness for the Prosecution, London County Hall) as Harry, Danielle Henry (Twelfth Night, RSC) as Sandra, Alasdair Linn (Bottled, Arts Depot) as Callum & Cover, and Pauline Tomlin (Chisholm for President, Southbank Centre) as Rita.
The company is completed by ensemble members and covers Stacey Ghent (Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, Pins and Needles/Lyric Hammersmith/Theatre Royal Plymouth), and Pete Sowerby (A Christmas Carol, Rage Arts).
Adapted for the stage by Paul Allen, this powerful new production honours the heart, humour and grit that have made Brassed Off a beloved British classic, featuring live music performed on stage by two Yorkshire brass bands: Horbury Victoria Brass Band and Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band.
Four members of Leeds Playhouse Youth Theatre will be joining the cast of Brassed Off in the roles of Shane and Melody. Oliver Bowman and Stuart Naylor, both members of the Senior Group, will share the role of Shane. They are joined by Aria Trijonyte, a participant in Leeds Playhouse Juniors Youth Theatre, and Maari Kent, who attends the satellite youth theatre programme delivered in partnership with RJC Dance in Chapeltown. Aria and Maari will share the role of Melody.
Director Amy Leach said: "Brassed Off is a wholeheartedly Northern celebration of the power of community and art, and I can't think of a better company of actors to tell this story with. Everyone in the company has a personal connection to this well-loved story, be it through mining heritage, music or brass banding, and we have an array of brilliant actor-musicians in the company who will be playing alongside the excellent members of Horbury Victoria and Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Bands. I can't wait to bring Brassed Off to life with our multi-talented adult company alongside the four brilliant young actors from the Playhouse Youth Theatre."
Joining director Amy Leach on the creative team are designer Katie Scott, lighting designer Jai Morjaria, sound designer John Biddle, musical director Jonathan Mitra, fight director Kev McCurdy, and casting director Lucy Casson CDG.